Angelo.
I am sorry, Sir, that I have hinder'd you;
But, I protest, he had the chain of me,
Tho' most dishonestly he doth deny it.

Mer.
How is the man esteem'd here in the city?

Ang.
Of very reverent reputation, Sir,
Of credit infinite, highly belov'd,
Second to none that lives here in the city;
His word might bear my wealth at any time.

Mer.
Speak softly: yonder, as I think, he walks. Enter Antipholis and Dromio of Syracuse.

Ang.
'Tis so; and that self-chain about his neck,
Which he forswore most monstrously to have.
Good Sir, draw near to me, I'll speak to him.
Signior Antipholis, I wonder much
That you would put me to this shame and trouble;
And not without some scandal to yourself,
With circumstance and oaths so to deny
This chain, which now you wear so openly;
Besides the charge, the shame, imprisonment,
You have done wrong to this my honest friend;
Who, but for staying on our controversie,
Had hoisted sail, and put to sea to day:
This chain you had of me, can you deny it?

S. Ant.
I think, I had; I never did deny it.

Mer.
Yes, that you did, Sir; and forswore it too.

S. Ant.
Who heard me to deny it, or forswear it?

Mer.
These ears of mine, thou knowest, did hear thee:
Fie on thee, wretch! 'tis pity, that thou liv'st
To walk where any honest men resort.

S. Ant.
Thou art a villain, to impeach me thus.
I'll prove mine honour and my honesty
Against thee presently, if thou dar'st stand.

Mer.
I dare, and do defie thee for a villain. [They draw.

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